Stepping out in the new year?

If you’re afraid of heights, you’re probably best off avoiding the Chamonix Skywalk — a new installation in the French Alps where people can stand over a 3,396-foot sheer drop. On the other hand, if you have a problem with heights, you probably shouldn't be visiting the French Alps anyway. 

The skywalk opened a week ago and The Atlantic has photos of the very high, but fully enclosed, glass box.

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Forget forensic sleuthing, get out the fruit

Police in Mumbai, India, decided on a novel method of recovering stolen goods from a thief this week, according to the Times of India.

The accused was suspected of stealing a gold chain from a train passenger, and was thought to have swallowed it after he was arrested. Ninety-six bananas later, the truth — and much else — emerged.

The US solar industry is thrilled with its holiday gift

American solar panel makers once dominated the world, only to be trounced by Chinese manufacturers. But a newly-issued US Department of Defense rule should help the struggling US producers.

The new rule clarifies an old law — from 1933 — that requires the US government to "buy American." With today's multinationals and global sourcing, though, it has been really tough to decide what "buy American" actually means. PRI's The World reports that the Defense Department now lists those countries where US-affiliated manufacturers can work. And China is not on the list. 

Meet Christian Rock, Pakistani-style

It’s not easy making it big as an up-and-coming rock band. Double that challenge if you are a Christian Pakistani rock band, living in the overwhelmingly Muslim port city of Karachi — notorious for sectarian violence against religious minorities. PRI's The World looked into the unique music scene flourishing in the city’s Christian enclave.

Long before there was RoboCop, there was ParaDog

Der Spiegel has the story of how British paratroopers developed a secret weapon in the run-up to D-Day. It was the Paradogs.

Ordinary household pets were enlisted and trained to be parachuted into occupied France to assist in the fight against Hitler. They were trained to locate mines, keep watch and warn about approaching enemies. On D-day itself, the 13th Parachute Battalion flew with one paradog for every 20 human soldiers. Parachuting dogs are still around. A photo in the Der Spiegel article shows a US Army soldier parachuting with a work dog — in 2009. 

Jab, hook and … checkmate!